JUST A MINUTE PLEASE!
[PHP. 3:10]

ARE YOU TIRED? IT'S NORMAL IN OUR HUMAN STATE, BUT DON'T ALLOW IT TO TAKE THE PLACE OF GOD!

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isa 40: 31)

8. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2Co 4: 8-10)

*Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours*(Mark 11:24)

I don't think I owe anyone an apology because of my recent dwelling on emotional issues. I do this to encourage myself and anyone in the same tunnel with me, and I am not certain it's a sin to be frank with one's feelings,as long as they're in line with God's Word.

Flashback on our most recent study,I said we often get stuck between God's promises and their fulfillment,clasped and unclasped our hands between our prayers and answers .

There's no doubt that some situations we find ourselves in as Christians, oftentimes leave us forgetting who we are, that Dad told us to ask for anything we want in His Name,and that we should consider it done.

So what's the problem...in most cases,it isn't exactly because of faithlessness,but more of timing...though the answers would definitely come,but they don't come when we(human nature)want them to come. Thus, it's like God is late...YET WE KNOW EXACTLY THAT GOD IS NEVER LATE NOR EARLY...HE COMES WHEN HE WILL,WHEN HE SHOULD, HE COMES AT THE RIGHT TIME.

But we oftentimes give God a deadline, forgetting that,he who gives Big Dad a deadline will always end up at a dead end.
But, vicissitudes of life mostly blind us to the truth we already know. This accounts for why we're always impatient with God...we want to command Him...to tell Him how or when He should respond to us... unfortunately,we missed it altogether, and pour all our frustrations on HIM. If He wasn't a Loving and patient Big Dad, would you dare to imagine what should become of us, for daring Him.

Job cursed the day he was born,while claiming innocence... Jeremiah cursed the man who went to tell his father that his wife has given birth to a son...what wrong did the man do? It's the serpentine spoilt sin nature in us always talking, because the devil wants us to be accusing Big Dad,the same way he did that costed him his exalted position as a covering cherub.
The Scriptures tell us about how to expect from Daddy God,to avoid demonic manipulations, that would want to turn us against God in our hearts;

35. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36. For ye have NEED of PATIENCE, that, after ye HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD, ye might receive the promise.
37. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (Heb 10: 35-37)

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1Pe 5: 7)

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you . (1Pe 5: 10)

Yet,we can't deny the wholesome truth that, it's easier said than done... oftentimes,patience can be tasking,very very very tasking...it takes grace,even extra grace. INDEED,THIS IS WHERE DISCIPLINE IN CHRISTIANITY IS PUT TO THE TEST... where the baby Christian and the adult Christian are filtered.


We all have personal desires, collective desires, dreams and plans. Having dreams is fine, wanting to please God is also fine. The problem lies in being so naive in thinking that this path must be traveled alone and without tools, which exhausts us mentally without even taking a step forward.

I told us this before, I want to repeat it again, and like then, I will omit names and exact details,for security purposes.

Almost two decades ago,a dedicatedly faithful Christian worked as a civil servant in govt ministry. By virtue of his position and ranking,he was more than qualified for a car,and started believing God for one. But it never materialised. The money kept on going for things he NEVER planned for...yes,the problems always know when the money is available.

Thus, the man gave up praying or hoping for it,and surrendered the issue to God. The most fortunate part,was that he NEVER allowed it to affect his devotion to God... instead it increased his dedication. Even his PROMOTION in the office was stalled, juniors met him and same level left him behind...but he wasn't moved.

Three years later,his aunt died in the village and he went for the burial and came back to work. Barely a month after he came back, the Minister in charge of their ministry came to work one morning,saw him and asked him to meet him in his office.

Summarily, the Minister told him he doesn't know what's wrong and brought a set of car keys from his drawer,that they're his,and had been with him for the past three years. He said that he forgets each time he came to work, only to remember in the wrong places. Meanwhile,there truly was a brand new car covered with tarpaulin under a tree for the past three years... others had since been given away.

It didn't end there,he was promoted two steps ahead of those who were promoted before him. The man was like ...he is dreaming and took leave to close for the day;

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. (Psa 126: 1)

Later at home, Daddy spoke, and told him,HE kept him from the car,so that it won't become his coffin. HE told him that his late aunt vowed that anyone who buys a car before her own children in the family must die. The LORD said HE gave her every opportunity to repent,but when she wasn't willing HE removed her. END OF STORY!

We have a Father who makes everything possible, even the impossible (Luke 1:37).

All we need do is to allow God take care of the *how*

*How will I achieve this? How will I achieve that, and how will I survive this ordeal* isn't our assignment...not at all*

Our assignment is to TRUST DADDY,AND HOW HE DOES IT BECOMES HIS BUSINESS...not us anymore...we only owe HIM trust,and to do that,we must have an enduring relationship with HIM. Only then can we know peace in a turbulent world.

Not having peace causes endless illnesses, deficiencies and suffering that we could easily remove from our lives. We just have to understand that there is a God who works in favor of those who believe in Him.

His promises are there for all of us who choose to turn over our burdens to Him to see in His Word.(Matthew 11:28).
We must leave our big,bigger and biggest problems,
(all our problems )in His hands, leaving aside the *how will HE do it?*
May He sanctified His Word in our lives,moreso now when the devil has turned the world upsidedown,in Christ Jesus' Name,Amen!

JUST A MINUTE PLEASE!
[PHP. 3:10]

ARE YOU TIRED? IT'S NORMAL IN OUR HUMAN STATE, BUT DON'T ALLOW IT TO TAKE THE PLACE OF GOD!

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isa 40: 31)

8. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9. Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
10. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2Co 4: 8-10)

*Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours*(Mark 11:24)

I don't think I owe anyone an apology because of my recent dwelling on emotional issues. I do this to encourage myself and anyone in the same tunnel with me, and I am not certain it's a sin to be frank with one's feelings,as long as they're in line with God's Word.

Flashback on our most recent study,I said we often get stuck between God's promises and their fulfillment,clasped and unclasped our hands between our prayers and answers .

There's no doubt that some situations we find ourselves in as Christians, oftentimes leave us forgetting who we are, that Dad told us to ask for anything we want in His Name,and that we should consider it done.

So what's the problem...in most cases,it isn't exactly because of faithlessness,but more of timing...though the answers would definitely come,but they don't come when we(human nature)want them to come. Thus, it's like God is late...YET WE KNOW EXACTLY THAT GOD IS NEVER LATE NOR EARLY...HE COMES WHEN HE WILL,WHEN HE SHOULD, HE COMES AT THE RIGHT TIME.

But we oftentimes give God a deadline, forgetting that,he who gives Big Dad a deadline will always end up at a dead end.
But, vicissitudes of life mostly blind us to the truth we already know. This accounts for why we're always impatient with God...we want to command Him...to tell Him how or when He should respond to us... unfortunately,we missed it altogether, and pour all our frustrations on HIM. If He wasn't a Loving and patient Big Dad, would you dare to imagine what should become of us, for daring Him.

Job cursed the day he was born,while claiming innocence... Jeremiah cursed the man who went to tell his father that his wife has given birth to a son...what wrong did the man do? It's the serpentine spoilt sin nature in us always talking, because the devil wants us to be accusing Big Dad,the same way he did that costed him his exalted position as a covering cherub.
The Scriptures tell us about how to expect from Daddy God,to avoid demonic manipulations, that would want to turn us against God in our hearts;

35. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36. For ye have NEED of PATIENCE, that, after ye HAVE DONE THE WILL OF GOD, ye might receive the promise.
37. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (Heb 10: 35-37)

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1Pe 5: 7)

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you . (1Pe 5: 10)

Yet,we can't deny the wholesome truth that, it's easier said than done... oftentimes,patience can be tasking,very very very tasking...it takes grace,even extra grace. INDEED,THIS IS WHERE DISCIPLINE IN CHRISTIANITY IS PUT TO THE TEST... where the baby Christian and the adult Christian are filtered.


We all have personal desires, collective desires, dreams and plans. Having dreams is fine, wanting to please God is also fine. The problem lies in being so naive in thinking that this path must be traveled alone and without tools, which exhausts us mentally without even taking a step forward.

I told us this before, I want to repeat it again, and like then, I will omit names and exact details,for security purposes.

Almost two decades ago,a dedicatedly faithful Christian worked as a civil servant in govt ministry. By virtue of his position and ranking,he was more than qualified for a car,and started believing God for one. But it never materialised. The money kept on going for things he NEVER planned for...yes,the problems always know when the money is available.

Thus, the man gave up praying or hoping for it,and surrendered the issue to God. The most fortunate part,was that he NEVER allowed it to affect his devotion to God... instead it increased his dedication. Even his PROMOTION in the office was stalled, juniors met him and same level left him behind...but he wasn't moved.

Three years later,his aunt died in the village and he went for the burial and came back to work. Barely a month after he came back, the Minister in charge of their ministry came to work one morning,saw him and asked him to meet him in his office.

Summarily, the Minister told him he doesn't know what's wrong and brought a set of car keys from his drawer,that they're his,and had been with him for the past three years. He said that he forgets each time he came to work, only to remember in the wrong places. Meanwhile,there truly was a brand new car covered with tarpaulin under a tree for the past three years... others had since been given away.

It didn't end there,he was promoted two steps ahead of those who were promoted before him. The man was like ...he is dreaming and took leave to close for the day;

When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. (Psa 126: 1)

Later at home, Daddy spoke, and told him,HE kept him from the car,so that it won't become his coffin. HE told him that his late aunt vowed that anyone who buys a car before her own children in the family must die. The LORD said HE gave her every opportunity to repent,but when she wasn't willing HE removed her. END OF STORY!

We have a Father who makes everything possible, even the impossible (Luke 1:37).

All we need do is to allow God take care of the *how*

*How will I achieve this? How will I achieve that, and how will I survive this ordeal* isn't our assignment...not at all*

Our assignment is to TRUST DADDY,AND HOW HE DOES IT BECOMES HIS BUSINESS...not us anymore...we only owe HIM trust,and to do that,we must have an enduring relationship with HIM. Only then can we know peace in a turbulent world.

Not having peace causes endless illnesses, deficiencies and suffering that we could easily remove from our lives. We just have to understand that there is a God who works in favor of those who believe in Him.

His promises are there for all of us who choose to turn over our burdens to Him to see in His Word.(Matthew 11:28).
We must leave our big,bigger and biggest problems,
(all our problems )in His hands, leaving aside the *how will HE do it?*
May He sanctified His Word in our lives,moreso now when the devil has turned the world upsidedown,in Christ Jesus' Name,Amen!

A WORLD AT WAR WITH ITSELF!

BREEDING UNBELIEF IN OUR SYSTEM!

Today, I brought out this *self-destructive issue*,as a sharp rebuke to myself,a warning to myself, from God's Word,and it's left to me if I will heed it. I also pray that someone out there will be helped and encouraged by it.

It's said that tough times NEVER last ,but tough people do. Well,if it was true before now,it certainly isn't today, because, tough or hard times now oftentimes,outlast the the tough people. This is a personal opinion yet,and I stand to be corrected.

I began with the parody above, because it's the secular motivational version of our Christian Faith. All earth dwellers in one way or the other live by faith,(though they won't call it that).

Faith is a reoccurring theme throughout the Bible, and a whole chapter was dedicated to it(Heb.11)! We can't serve God without the Faith,that God is more than able to do or execute every bit of His Word. For the believer, FAITH is our OXYGEN!

However,some difficulties pop-up in life,that regularly question and threaten our Faith, oftentimes leading to helplessness,which in turn create room for backsliding...no longer believing that God is able to perform His Word. And of course, it's no longer news that the *curator*of these seemingly impossible challenges is the devil.

THE BIRTHING OF UNBELIEF!

We begin the breeding of unbelief in our lives, when we feel stranded between God's promises and their fulfillment, stuck between the prayer we pray and the answer. When we allow our gaze to be fixed on the problem rather than the solution,when we begin to see only impossibilities that we NEVER cared to see before...that we NEVER paid attention to,even though they were there.
Periods like this,is when the devil sets in our hearts a lot more of questions than answers,as regards God and His Word.

I am far deep in that point now,which is why I said this message was and is a rebuke to me. Perhaps,if there's a tiny difference for me, it's in the premise that,mine isn't really unbelief perse, but DESPAIR,BORNE OUT OF ELONGATED YEARS OF AFFLICTIONS. But WHY it's an UNFORGIVABLE FAILURE for ME is that,I EQUALLY have SEEN far MORE THAN I DESERVED of God's Hand of provision and protection, in these flaunted YEARS of SELF TAGGED AFFLICTIONS.

If it wasn't so,I wouldn't be here writing this. The truth is,man by nature hates discomfort,pains,hurts and suffering generally...why... because God NEVER created us to suffer,but our inherited sin nature brought it upon us.

But I tell us this morning,by His grace and mercy,that regardless of the moment you are living, hold on to HIS promises, to the TRUTH of GOD! He NEVER fails...we are the ones failing HIM
The truth modifies reality!
You were designed by God to fulfill an eternal purpose!
And the onus is upon us,by faith in God,to deny devil the pleasure of ruining that purpose .

What you see today in the mirror is not what you will see in the future, because God will take you from power to power! To great things! To great heights we can never imagine!

We're going to learn a few things from the scripture below, to better understand the term *UNBELIEF*
Allow me put to put it this way... UNBELIEF FOR THE CHRISTIAN,IS THE INABILITY TO SEE WHAT GOD SEES IN US FOR OUR LIVES...and nothing can be more tragically sad for us as believers.

Mark 9:23-24 “Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. And immediately the boy's father cried out and said: I believe; help my unbelief.”

This narrative took place just after the Transfiguration of Christ Jesus.

Christ Jesus comes down from the mountain, transfigured, and meets the unbelieving disciples who cannot do what He has said they are going to do.

(1)The man cried*help my unbelief*
The man's unbelief started from the disappointing disciples...if he didn't believe in the first place, it's probable,he won't spend resources to get his boy to Christ Jesus. But, unfortunately Christ's ambassadors (you and me),failed in our duties...we couldn't execute what we were mandated to do... because deep down somewhere in our hearts,seeds of doubt are still sprouting.
And when we failed,the man lost faith in God's ability to settle his issues.

To how many people does our lives, instead of producing faith, produce disbelief? How many people know that we visit our church and when we leave, we talk like the old creature?

And there is a contradiction between where we come from and how we live; between the God we serve and the God we represent. AS CHRISTIANS WE CANNOT PREACH A GOSPEL THAT HEALS WITH A MOUTH THAT HARMS.

Do we believe in the promises that God gave us? In all? Do we act according to what God told us?

What a sad disappointment it was for the man to see that the disciples could not free his son from that spirit, a situation that produced an argument between them!

Since the disciples couldn't, so he goes to Christ Jesus directly. For this man, the fact that someone couldn't take away his faith ,that something could change, drove any unbelief to the pit of hell.

We must say *I was not born to live this way, and if the last thing I do is die looking for the answer I need, I will do it because it shows my faith that God created me for something greater, and that there has to be a solution for this*

We cannot deny that all attempts create doubt; that all past failures lower expectations. But that is no excuse to stop believing in the Lord.
My personal rebuke continues...this is what I know and yet refused,or perhaps it's better to say, unable to practise. *SO, WOULD DAD BE UNFAIR TO BE WROTH WITH ME? An emphatic no! When diplomats and ambassadors fail their home government, they're recalled home and sanctioned... oftentimes fired.

To be continued...stay with us...GOD BLESS YOU AND STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH,AMEN!

A WORLD AT WAR WITH ITSELF!

BREEDING UNBELIEF IN OUR SYSTEM!

Today, I brought out this *self-destructive issue*,as a sharp rebuke to myself,a warning to myself, from God's Word,and it's left to me if I will heed it. I also pray that someone out there will be helped and encouraged by it.

It's said that tough times NEVER last ,but tough people do. Well,if it was true before now,it certainly isn't today, because, tough or hard times now oftentimes,outlast the the tough people. This is a personal opinion yet,and I stand to be corrected.

I began with the parody above, because it's the secular motivational version of our Christian Faith. All earth dwellers in one way or the other live by faith,(though they won't call it that).

Faith is a reoccurring theme throughout the Bible, and a whole chapter was dedicated to it(Heb.11)! We can't serve God without the Faith,that God is more than able to do or execute every bit of His Word. For the believer, FAITH is our OXYGEN!

However,some difficulties pop-up in life,that regularly question and threaten our Faith, oftentimes leading to helplessness,which in turn create room for backsliding...no longer believing that God is able to perform His Word. And of course, it's no longer news that the *curator*of these seemingly impossible challenges is the devil.

THE BIRTHING OF UNBELIEF!

We begin the breeding of unbelief in our lives, when we feel stranded between God's promises and their fulfillment, stuck between the prayer we pray and the answer. When we allow our gaze to be fixed on the problem rather than the solution,when we begin to see only impossibilities that we NEVER cared to see before...that we NEVER paid attention to,even though they were there.
Periods like this,is when the devil sets in our hearts a lot more of questions than answers,as regards God and His Word.

I am far deep in that point now,which is why I said this message was and is a rebuke to me. Perhaps,if there's a tiny difference for me, it's in the premise that,mine isn't really unbelief perse, but DESPAIR,BORNE OUT OF ELONGATED YEARS OF AFFLICTIONS. But WHY it's an UNFORGIVABLE FAILURE for ME is that,I EQUALLY have SEEN far MORE THAN I DESERVED of God's Hand of provision and protection, in these flaunted YEARS of SELF TAGGED AFFLICTIONS.

If it wasn't so,I wouldn't be here writing this. The truth is,man by nature hates discomfort,pains,hurts and suffering generally...why... because God NEVER created us to suffer,but our inherited sin nature brought it upon us.

But I tell us this morning,by His grace and mercy,that regardless of the moment you are living, hold on to HIS promises, to the TRUTH of GOD! He NEVER fails...we are the ones failing HIM
The truth modifies reality!
You were designed by God to fulfill an eternal purpose!
And the onus is upon us,by faith in God,to deny devil the pleasure of ruining that purpose .

What you see today in the mirror is not what you will see in the future, because God will take you from power to power! To great things! To great heights we can never imagine!

We're going to learn a few things from the scripture below, to better understand the term *UNBELIEF*
Allow me put to put it this way... UNBELIEF FOR THE CHRISTIAN,IS THE INABILITY TO SEE WHAT GOD SEES IN US FOR OUR LIVES...and nothing can be more tragically sad for us as believers.

Mark 9:23-24 “Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. And immediately the boy's father cried out and said: I believe; help my unbelief.”

This narrative took place just after the Transfiguration of Christ Jesus.

Christ Jesus comes down from the mountain, transfigured, and meets the unbelieving disciples who cannot do what He has said they are going to do.

(1)The man cried*help my unbelief*
The man's unbelief started from the disappointing disciples...if he didn't believe in the first place, it's probable,he won't spend resources to get his boy to Christ Jesus. But, unfortunately Christ's ambassadors (you and me),failed in our duties...we couldn't execute what we were mandated to do... because deep down somewhere in our hearts,seeds of doubt are still sprouting.
And when we failed,the man lost faith in God's ability to settle his issues.

To how many people does our lives, instead of producing faith, produce disbelief? How many people know that we visit our church and when we leave, we talk like the old creature?

And there is a contradiction between where we come from and how we live; between the God we serve and the God we represent. AS CHRISTIANS WE CANNOT PREACH A GOSPEL THAT HEALS WITH A MOUTH THAT HARMS.

Do we believe in the promises that God gave us? In all? Do we act according to what God told us?

What a sad disappointment it was for the man to see that the disciples could not free his son from that spirit, a situation that produced an argument between them!

Since the disciples couldn't, so he goes to Christ Jesus directly. For this man, the fact that someone couldn't take away his faith ,that something could change, drove any unbelief to the pit of hell.

We must say *I was not born to live this way, and if the last thing I do is die looking for the answer I need, I will do it because it shows my faith that God created me for something greater, and that there has to be a solution for this*

We cannot deny that all attempts create doubt; that all past failures lower expectations. But that is no excuse to stop believing in the Lord.
My personal rebuke continues...this is what I know and yet refused,or perhaps it's better to say, unable to practise. *SO, WOULD DAD BE UNFAIR TO BE WROTH WITH ME? An emphatic no! When diplomats and ambassadors fail their home government, they're recalled home and sanctioned... oftentimes fired.

To be continued...stay with us...GOD BLESS YOU AND STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH,AMEN!

A WORLD AT WAR WITH ITSELF!

BREEDING UNBELIEF IN OUR SYSTEM!

Today, I brought out this *self-destructive issue*,as a sharp rebuke to myself,a warning to myself, from God's Word,and it's left to me if I will heed it. I also pray that someone out there will be helped and encouraged by it.

It's said that tough times NEVER last ,but tough people do. Well,if it was true before now,it certainly isn't today, because, tough or hard times now oftentimes,outlast the the tough people. This is a personal opinion yet,and I stand to be corrected.

I began with the parody above, because it's the secular motivational version of our Christian Faith. All earth dwellers in one way or the other live by faith,(though they won't call it that).

Faith is a reoccurring theme throughout the Bible, and a whole chapter was dedicated to it(Heb.11)! We can't serve God without the Faith,that God is more than able to do or execute every bit of His Word. For the believer, FAITH is our OXYGEN!

However,some difficulties pop-up in life,that regularly question and threaten our Faith, oftentimes leading to helplessness,which in turn create room for backsliding...no longer believing that God is able to perform His Word. And of course, it's no longer news that the *curator*of these seemingly impossible challenges is the devil.

THE BIRTHING OF UNBELIEF!

We begin the breeding of unbelief in our lives, when we feel stranded between God's promises and their fulfillment, stuck between the prayer we pray and the answer. When we allow our gaze to be fixed on the problem rather than the solution,when we begin to see only impossibilities that we NEVER cared to see before...that we NEVER paid attention to,even though they were there.
Periods like this,is when the devil sets in our hearts a lot more of questions than answers,as regards God and His Word.

I am far deep in that point now,which is why I said this message was and is a rebuke to me. Perhaps,if there's a tiny difference for me, it's in the premise that,mine isn't really unbelief perse, but DESPAIR,BORNE OUT OF ELONGATED YEARS OF AFFLICTIONS. But WHY it's an UNFORGIVABLE FAILURE for ME is that,I EQUALLY have SEEN far MORE THAN I DESERVED of God's Hand of provision and protection, in these flaunted YEARS of SELF TAGGED AFFLICTIONS.

If it wasn't so,I wouldn't be here writing this. The truth is,man by nature hates discomfort,pains,hurts and suffering generally...why... because God NEVER created us to suffer,but our inherited sin nature brought it upon us.

But I tell us this morning,by His grace and mercy,that regardless of the moment you are living, hold on to HIS promises, to the TRUTH of GOD! He NEVER fails...we are the ones failing HIM
The truth modifies reality!
You were designed by God to fulfill an eternal purpose!
And the onus is upon us,by faith in God,to deny devil the pleasure of ruining that purpose .

What you see today in the mirror is not what you will see in the future, because God will take you from power to power! To great things! To great heights we can never imagine!

We're going to learn a few things from the scripture below, to better understand the term *UNBELIEF*
Allow me put to put it this way... UNBELIEF FOR THE CHRISTIAN,IS THE INABILITY TO SEE WHAT GOD SEES IN US FOR OUR LIVES...and nothing can be more tragically sad for us as believers.

Mark 9:23-24 “Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. And immediately the boy's father cried out and said: I believe; help my unbelief.”

This narrative took place just after the Transfiguration of Christ Jesus.

Christ Jesus comes down from the mountain, transfigured, and meets the unbelieving disciples who cannot do what He has said they are going to do.

(1)The man cried*help my unbelief*
The man's unbelief started from the disappointing disciples...if he didn't believe in the first place, it's probable,he won't spend resources to get his boy to Christ Jesus. But, unfortunately Christ's ambassadors (you and me),failed in our duties...we couldn't execute what we were mandated to do... because deep down somewhere in our hearts,seeds of doubt are still sprouting.
And when we failed,the man lost faith in God's ability to settle his issues.

To how many people does our lives, instead of producing faith, produce disbelief? How many people know that we visit our church and when we leave, we talk like the old creature?

And there is a contradiction between where we come from and how we live; between the God we serve and the God we represent. AS CHRISTIANS WE CANNOT PREACH A GOSPEL THAT HEALS WITH A MOUTH THAT HARMS.

Do we believe in the promises that God gave us? In all? Do we act according to what God told us?

What a sad disappointment it was for the man to see that the disciples could not free his son from that spirit, a situation that produced an argument between them!

Since the disciples couldn't, so he goes to Christ Jesus directly. For this man, the fact that someone couldn't take away his faith ,that something could change, drove any unbelief to the pit of hell.

We must say *I was not born to live this way, and if the last thing I do is die looking for the answer I need, I will do it because it shows my faith that God created me for something greater, and that there has to be a solution for this*

We cannot deny that all attempts create doubt; that all past failures lower expectations. But that is no excuse to stop believing in the Lord.
My personal rebuke continues...this is what I know and yet refused,or perhaps it's better to say, unable to practise. *SO, WOULD DAD BE UNFAIR TO BE WROTH WITH ME? An emphatic no! When diplomats and ambassadors fail their home government, they're recalled home and sanctioned... oftentimes fired.

To be continued...stay with us...GOD BLESS YOU AND STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH,AMEN!

THIS IS A NEW YEAR WITH NEW HOPES!

Tithing is a Covenant!!

People say I can't afford to tithe but I tell you that you cannot afford not to tithe. God comes first and tithing is a covenant with Him. The blessings that come with obedience far outweighs the disobedience of not bringing to God what is due to Him.

God doesn't need our money but it is an act of obedience and worship to Him

Malachi 3:8-12 NKJV
[8] “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
[9] You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
[10] Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
[11] “And I will rebuke the devourer (Satan) for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;
[12] “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.

Hebrews 7:1-4 NKJV
[1] For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
[2] to whom also Abraham gave a TENTH (TITHE) part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”
[3] without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
[4] Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a TENTH (TITHE) of the spoils.

If tithing wasnt for today then it would not have been mentioned in the New Testament!! When we sell a banana we dont get apples for payment today, we get MONEY!! Therefore we tithe money to God!!

Mark 12:42-44
[42] Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small COINS.
[43] Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.
[44] For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Tithing is an act of obedience to God and He protects the rest of your income from being stolen by the enemy (Satan)!!

THIS IS A NEW YEAR WITH NEW HOPES!

Tithing is a Covenant!!

People say I can't afford to tithe but I tell you that you cannot afford not to tithe. God comes first and tithing is a covenant with Him. The blessings that come with obedience far outweighs the disobedience of not bringing to God what is due to Him.

God doesn't need our money but it is an act of obedience and worship to Him

Malachi 3:8-12 NKJV
[8] “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
[9] You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
[10] Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
[11] “And I will rebuke the devourer (Satan) for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;
[12] “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.

Hebrews 7:1-4 NKJV
[1] For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
[2] to whom also Abraham gave a TENTH (TITHE) part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”
[3] without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
[4] Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a TENTH (TITHE) of the spoils.

If tithing wasnt for today then it would not have been mentioned in the New Testament!! When we sell a banana we dont get apples for payment today, we get MONEY!! Therefore we tithe money to God!!

Mark 12:42-44
[42] Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small COINS.
[43] Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.
[44] For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Tithing is an act of obedience to God and He protects the rest of your income from being stolen by the enemy (Satan)!!THIS IS A NEW YEAR WITH NEW HOPES!

Tithing is a Covenant!!

People say I can't afford to tithe but I tell you that you cannot afford not to tithe. God comes first and tithing is a covenant with Him. The blessings that come with obedience far outweighs the disobedience of not bringing to God what is due to Him.

God doesn't need our money but it is an act of obedience and worship to Him

Malachi 3:8-12 NKJV
[8] “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.
[9] You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.
[10] Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
[11] “And I will rebuke the devourer (Satan) for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;
[12] “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts.

Hebrews 7:1-4 NKJV
[1] For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
[2] to whom also Abraham gave a TENTH (TITHE) part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”
[3] without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
[4] Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a TENTH (TITHE) of the spoils.

If tithing wasnt for today then it would not have been mentioned in the New Testament!! When we sell a banana we dont get apples for payment today, we get MONEY!! Therefore we tithe money to God!!

Mark 12:42-44
[42] Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small COINS.
[43] Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions.
[44] For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

Tithing is an act of obedience to God and He protects the rest of your income from being stolen by the enemy (Satan)!!

EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

ON QUENCHING THE HOLY SPIRIT! (1THESS. 5:19)

There's no hope or way of living a practical Christlike life,MOST ESPECIALLY NOW,in a world broken down by sin,a world where the devil is king...therefore...

Quench not the Spirit. (1Th 5: 19)

To begin with, it's very sad and pitiful, for those who say the Old Testament is obsolete and relegated to the background. I have every to say that,these people are not true believers,*FOR A TRUE BELIEVER CAN NEVER SAY THAT GOD'S WORD IS OBSOLETE...IT ISN'T JUST POSSIBLE*

In the Old Testament,God operated as *God the Father.* And in the Gospels, the beginning of the New Testament, God operated as *God the Son*(Immanuel...Jn.1:1-5).
Then after the work of fulfilling the Law and His finishing the Work of Redemption,God began to operate as *God the Holy Spirit), right from the Book of Acts till date.
16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (Joh 14: 16-17)

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Joh 14: 26)

Back to our subject;

If the apostle Paul himself had not warned us about quenching the Spirit, who among us would have thought it was possible or suggest that the omnipotent Spirit of God could ever be quenched,(1Thess.5:19), and thus restricted in what He might do otherwise in our lives, and in the life of the local church, is to tread on thin theological ice.

The Spirit obviously desires to work in our lives and in our churches. The Spirit is like a fire whose flame we want to be careful not to quench or extinguish. The Holy Spirit wants to intensify the heat of His presence among us, to inflame our hearts and fill us with the warmth of His indwelling power.

And Paul’s exhortation is a warning to all of us lest we become part of the contemporary bucket brigade that stands ready to douse His activity with the water of legalism, fear, and a flawed theology that, without biblical warrant, claims that His gifts have ceased and been withdrawn,in much the say way some of us have written off the Old Testament and even the LORD'S PRAYER(MOTHER OF ALL PRAYERS),which is even in the New Testament.

However, we must remind ourselves of the Sovereignty of God. While humans can resist the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t mean they have ultimate control over Him; God retains Sovereignty and can intervene whenever He wishes. The Holy Spirit is a part of the Fullness of God. Let's examine some ways we can quench the activities of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

We quench the Holy Spirit when we rely decisively on any resource other than the Holy Spirit for anything we do in life and ministry.
Any attempt to conjure up *hope* apart from that power which is the Spirit (Romans 15:13) is to quench Him, as well as any effort to persevere in ministry and remain patient with joy by any other means than the Spirit (Colossians 1:11). Any effort to carry out pastoral ministry other than through *His energy that He powerfully works within me* (Colossians 1:29) is to quench the Spirit. Any attempt to resolve to carry out some good work of faith through a *power* other than the Spirit is to quench Him (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

Despising Spiritual Gifts: Quenching the Spirit can manifest as contempt towards spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of prophecy, which should instead be tested and embraced (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).

Neglecting Our Gifts: Failing to utilize and nurture the gifts bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit is another form of quenching; we should actively "fan into flame" these gifts (1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6).

Suppressing Emotions: Quenching the Spirit may also involve withholding emotional expressions, such as singing and worship, which are encouraged as signs of spiritual fullness (Ephesians 5:18-19).

Resisting Spiritual Fruit: Resisting the manifestation of the Spirit’s fruits in our behavior, and not embodying kindness and grace, equates to grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

We quench the Spirit whenever we create an inviolable and sanctimonious structure in our corporate gatherings and worship services, and in our small groups, that does not permit spontaneity or the special leading of the Spirit.
Twice — in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 — Paul refers to “spiritual songs,” most likely to differentiate between songs that are previously composed (“psalms” and “hymns”) as over against those that are spontaneously evoked by the Spirit Himself.

We quench the Spirit whenever we suppress, or legislate against, or instill fear in the hearts of people regarding the legitimate experience of heartfelt emotions and affections in worship.
I find it instructive that Christ Jesus, as He extolled the Father, is described as rejoicing “in the Holy Spirit” (Luke 10:21).

Affections for God such as joy, peace, love, zeal, desire, and reverential fear are an essential dimension in Christ Jesus-exalting worship. How often do we orchestrate our corporate gatherings and issue strict guidelines as to what is “proper” in times of worship and in doing so inadvertently quench the Spirit in people’s lives?

There's a lot more to say, however I believe by now, we already have an idea of various ways that we unconsciously quench the Holy Spirit.
May God help us to always rever the Holy Spirit, the third Person in the Fullness of the Godhead!
Amen!

EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

ON QUENCHING THE HOLY SPIRIT! (1THESS. 5:19)

There's no hope or way of living a practical Christlike life,MOST ESPECIALLY NOW,in a world broken down by sin,a world where the devil is king...therefore...

Quench not the Spirit. (1Th 5: 19)

To begin with, it's very sad and pitiful, for those who say the Old Testament is obsolete and relegated to the background. I have every to say that,these people are not true believers,*FOR A TRUE BELIEVER CAN NEVER SAY THAT GOD'S WORD IS OBSOLETE...IT ISN'T JUST POSSIBLE*

In the Old Testament,God operated as *God the Father.* And in the Gospels, the beginning of the New Testament, God operated as *God the Son*(Immanuel...Jn.1:1-5).
Then after the work of fulfilling the Law and His finishing the Work of Redemption,God began to operate as *God the Holy Spirit), right from the Book of Acts till date.
16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (Joh 14: 16-17)

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (Joh 14: 26)

Back to our subject;

If the apostle Paul himself had not warned us about quenching the Spirit, who among us would have thought it was possible or suggest that the omnipotent Spirit of God could ever be quenched,(1Thess.5:19), and thus restricted in what He might do otherwise in our lives, and in the life of the local church, is to tread on thin theological ice.

The Spirit obviously desires to work in our lives and in our churches. The Spirit is like a fire whose flame we want to be careful not to quench or extinguish. The Holy Spirit wants to intensify the heat of His presence among us, to inflame our hearts and fill us with the warmth of His indwelling power.

And Paul’s exhortation is a warning to all of us lest we become part of the contemporary bucket brigade that stands ready to douse His activity with the water of legalism, fear, and a flawed theology that, without biblical warrant, claims that His gifts have ceased and been withdrawn,in much the say way some of us have written off the Old Testament and even the LORD'S PRAYER(MOTHER OF ALL PRAYERS),which is even in the New Testament.

However, we must remind ourselves of the Sovereignty of God. While humans can resist the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t mean they have ultimate control over Him; God retains Sovereignty and can intervene whenever He wishes. The Holy Spirit is a part of the Fullness of God. Let's examine some ways we can quench the activities of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

We quench the Holy Spirit when we rely decisively on any resource other than the Holy Spirit for anything we do in life and ministry.
Any attempt to conjure up *hope* apart from that power which is the Spirit (Romans 15:13) is to quench Him, as well as any effort to persevere in ministry and remain patient with joy by any other means than the Spirit (Colossians 1:11). Any effort to carry out pastoral ministry other than through *His energy that He powerfully works within me* (Colossians 1:29) is to quench the Spirit. Any attempt to resolve to carry out some good work of faith through a *power* other than the Spirit is to quench Him (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

Despising Spiritual Gifts: Quenching the Spirit can manifest as contempt towards spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of prophecy, which should instead be tested and embraced (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).

Neglecting Our Gifts: Failing to utilize and nurture the gifts bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit is another form of quenching; we should actively "fan into flame" these gifts (1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6).

Suppressing Emotions: Quenching the Spirit may also involve withholding emotional expressions, such as singing and worship, which are encouraged as signs of spiritual fullness (Ephesians 5:18-19).

Resisting Spiritual Fruit: Resisting the manifestation of the Spirit’s fruits in our behavior, and not embodying kindness and grace, equates to grieving the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).

We quench the Spirit whenever we create an inviolable and sanctimonious structure in our corporate gatherings and worship services, and in our small groups, that does not permit spontaneity or the special leading of the Spirit.
Twice — in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 — Paul refers to “spiritual songs,” most likely to differentiate between songs that are previously composed (“psalms” and “hymns”) as over against those that are spontaneously evoked by the Spirit Himself.

We quench the Spirit whenever we suppress, or legislate against, or instill fear in the hearts of people regarding the legitimate experience of heartfelt emotions and affections in worship.
I find it instructive that Christ Jesus, as He extolled the Father, is described as rejoicing “in the Holy Spirit” (Luke 10:21).

Affections for God such as joy, peace, love, zeal, desire, and reverential fear are an essential dimension in Christ Jesus-exalting worship. How often do we orchestrate our corporate gatherings and issue strict guidelines as to what is “proper” in times of worship and in doing so inadvertently quench the Spirit in people’s lives?

There's a lot more to say, however I believe by now, we already have an idea of various ways that we unconsciously quench the Holy Spirit.
May God help us to always rever the Holy Spirit, the third Person in the Fullness of the Godhead!
Amen!

The hard hearted will only believe that hell exists when they get there, when it's too late. God doesn't want anyone to die without salvation. Hell was meant for the devil and his demons, but unfortunately, many a man believed in the devil's lies, and chose him above God, so HE has to expand hell to accommodate those who want the devil's fate.
Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. (Isa 5: 14)

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2Pe 3: 9)

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev 3: 20)

It is undeniable that in the space of a year, the strategic landscape of the Middle East has changed dramatically to Israel’s advantage in a way that few could have imagined prior to the October 7 Hamas invasion. This many-fronted war is far from over. If Iran has been left exposed and embarrassed, there is the danger that she will take desperate steps like a cornered mother-cat. Hamas and Hezbollah may have been subdued, but the fanatics who make up their rank and file are far from being de-radicalized, and the same is true of like-minded terrorists and their masses of supporters across the Middle East and throughout the world. Radical Islamic terror remains a threat everywhere.

"He removes kings and installs kings"
What we may learn from the rapid downfall of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Assad tyranny, is that even when the forces of evil seem strongest and most powerfully entrenched, G-d Almighty, the Lord of Hosts, has the power to orchestrate His "hosts" and "legions", including all the many different and opposing forces on His global chessboard, to bring them down. For, "He changes times and seasons, removes kings and installs kings; He gives the wise their wisdom and knowledge to those who know" (Daniel 2:21).

It is incumbent on all Jews, Israelis and all our friends and allies everywhere, to understand that it is ultimately G-d alone who granted success and blessed the efforts of all the courageous soldiers who put their lives on the line in order to defend us in Gaza, Lebanon, in the skies of Syria and Iran, and in other locations across the world.
This Chanukah, let us remember G-d’s kindnesses and mercies to us when we gaze upon the lights of the Menorah, when we meditate on His great miracles for the Maccabees during the recital of Al Hanissim in the Amidah prayers and in the Grace after Meals, and when we sing His praises in the daily recital of the full Hallel (Psalms 113-118) on each of the eight days of the festival.

A second Trump presidency
Another miracle for which giving thanks at this time may well be appropriate is the election of President Donald Trump to a second presidency, which averted what seemed like a serious threat of four more years of radical, woke, Marxist-leaning misgovernment in the United States under a brainless, string-puppet figurehead controlled by ex-president Barack Obama.

Many hope that President Trump will take serious action to clean up the corrupt Washington "swamp", boost the US economy, deport millions of illegal aliens who have greatly increased crime, drug abuse and sex-trafficking across the country, and put an end to global wars. However, it remains an open question as to what extent he will be able to deliver on his promises in face of the massive opposition that is likely to arise domestically and internationally as soon as he takes office, including some that may come from quite unexpected directions.

The "Abraham Accords"
It does seem likely that the incoming Trump administration will show stronger support for further forceful action by Israel against her enemies, while simultaneously promoting the resumption of the "Abraham Accords", suspended under President Joe Biden, which are intended to induce Saudi Arabia and other supposedly "moderate" Moslem states to give full diplomatic recognition to Israel so as to open the way for greater economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of all.

It will indeed be entirely miraculous if the Abraham Accords can succeed in quelling the brand of extreme radicalism espoused today by millions of self-avowed Moslems across the globe, who are bent on intimidating and terrorizing people everywhere into submission, threatening death to all who refuse. Will the Saudis, who greatly profit from hosting Islam’s holiest site, succeed in persuading their fellow Moslems that true religion is not about violence and coercion but about persuading humanity to join together in seeking the Truth, submitting to the One God and carrying out His Will?

Can the Saudis be brought to officially acknowledge Mount Moriah as the site of the destined Future Temple in Jerusalem as prophesied by the prophets of Israel? If Donald Trump and Elon Musk will categorically declare that the ultimate goal of all Middle East diplomacy is to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, that in itself will be an astounding miracle, comparable to King Cyrus’ giving the green light for the building of the Second Temple (Ezra 1:2). Someone please get the message to them!

The Turkey factor
The present-day republic of Türkiye extends over vast areas of Anatolia and Western Asia that in Biblical times made up Ashur, the Assyrian empire. Indeed, Turkey’s current leader, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, shows signs of being no less of a megalomaniac than Sennacherib, king of Ashur, who laid siege to Jerusalem in the time of King Hezekiah until his miraculous defeat.

Erdoğan probably prefers we forget the time when a horse he was trying to mount threw him and gave him a mighty kick in the crotch, but it’s preserved on video. In his latest rant last week, Erdoğan said: "Turkey is far greater than its 782,000 square kilometers. Those questioning our presence in Syria, Libya or Somalia fail to grasp our vision." In other words, Turkey reserves the right to burst its way far beyond its current borders in order to resurrect the Ottoman Empire. Do we say good luck with that? Despite getting knackered in the crotch, the unhumbled Erdoğan fails to see any contradiction between his expansionist imperial visions and his unceasing accusations against Israel for the "illegal occupation" of Palestine, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

The greatest irony is that biblical prophecy points in the opposite direction to Erdoğan’s vision of "Greater Turkey", because it is precisely "little Israel", which all the nations of the world seek to push back behind the pre-1967 borders if not into the sea, which is ultimately destined to expand and encompass all of present-day Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, stretching "from the river to the river" — from the Nile to the Euphrates — as clearly laid down in Genesis 15:18-21, Numbers chapter 34 and Ezekiel 47:15-20. Under the final settlement, Israel’s Mediterranean border will extend to Hor Hahar, the mountain spur jutting into the sea aside modern-day Antiki (=ancient Antioch), well inside present-day Türkiye!

Greater Israel — for what?
The question we must clarify is: For what purpose do we seek the Greater Israel?
After Israel’s miraculous victory over Egypt, Syria and Jordan in 1967, when she recovered the biblical heartland of Israel, Judea and Samaria, the Golan Heights, Gaza and the Sinai desert, all in the space of six days, the Israeli far left simply did not know what to do with the conquered territories and just wanted to "give them back" as quickly as possible in exchange for "peace".

Thus after the reconquest of East Jerusalem, Israeli General Moshe Dayan immediately returned the keys of the Temple Mount into the hands of the Moslem Wafk police, since he clearly could not, or did not want to conceive of a Jewish Temple on the site. That would have obliged him to turn around his entire secular lifestyle and philosophy. Likewise, Israel’s far left campaigned unremittingly to "give back" the territories, until they jumped onto the accursed 1993 Oslo-Assla "Peace Process" nightmare that plagues us until today with the slogan: "YeShA (Yehuda-Judah, Shomron-Samaria & ‘Aza-Gaza) First".

Immediately after the Six Day War, many believers saw clearly the hand of G-d in Israel’s stunning accomplishments against all the odds. However, the cynical, increasingly decadent Israeli left shared neither their faith nor their vision of the return to the territories as a step towards the restored Greater Israel. On the contrary, the Israeli left with their backers among the western powers, were determined to uproot the Greater Israel vision and made every effort to crush and demoralize the many Israelis who cherished it. Successive Israeli governments bowed repeatedly to pressures from Washington to show "restraint" in face of painful provocations by her enemies.

If the same constant kowtowing by Israeli Jews to foreign pressure had existed in the years of the British Mandate (1917-48), Israel would never have attained her independence. It was the spirit of fierce Jewish nationalism that breathed in the souls of the pioneers and the Jewish military bands who fought against the Arab armies in the War of Independence that brought the Independent State of Israel into being.

The Israeli Fighting Spirit
This spirit of courageous Jewish nationalism shone in every word of Israel Prime Minister Menahem Begin’s famous retort to then-Senator Joe Biden in 1982 when he threatened to withhold US aid to Israel: "Don’t threaten us with cutting off your aid. It will not work. I am not a Jew with trembling knees. I am a proud Jew with 3,700 years of civilized history. Nobody came to our aid when we were dying in the gas chambers and ovens. Nobody came to our aid when we were striving to create our country. We paid for it. We fought for it. We died for it. We will stand by our principles. We will defend them. And, when necessary, we will die for them again, with or without your aid."

It was heartening to sense a return of this fighting spirit — the spirit of Judah and the Maccabees — in current Israel Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the same Joe Biden, now old and hoary, in the present war, openly defying his demands not to take the Gaza war into Rafah, not to enter Lebanon, etc. etc. In every case, following Biden’s dictates would have been a catastrophic capitulation to Israel’s enemies, while Israel’s successes came precisely from going against them.

Let us understand that the new Middle East landscape, replete as it with possible dangers to Israel and ripple-effect repercussions for Jews and our allies all over the world, nevertheless presents us with entirely new opportunities for advancing the prophetic vision of Greater Israel. It may be that the hand of G-d has been relatively concealed within Israel’s military successes against her enemies, yet without His help, all the courage of our fighters and the brilliance of our intelligence officers could not have succeeded.

We should be buoyed by the downfall of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Assad dictatorship, and the likely impending destruction of the Iranian regime. We must have faith that they came about through G-d’s redemptive kindness to Israel, that He is with us, and that He is leading us forward to the realization of the dreams of His servants the prophets.
Yes, Israel needs to survive in a global jungle of wild beasts, and we have no option but to defend ourselves with a disciplined army and top-grade armaments. Yes, Israel is the holy land, birthplace of Abrahamic faith, a pluralistic society that gives religious freedom to Jews, Christians, Moslems, Bahai, agnostics, atheists… We do not seek to force people to observe Shabbat, eat kosher, pray…

But those who know that the Land is promised to Israel under the terms of G-d’s Covenant — the Holy Torah — must strengthen our own observance and devotion, now more than ever, through the joy of seeing that G-d is truly with us. We must do everything in our power to promote the knowledge of the prophetic vision of a land properly policed, free of terror, murder, robbery, immorality, corruption and injustice, a land that will shine spiritual knowledge and the love of G-d to all the world, with Torah education for all Jews, Torah Academies for the nations, facilities for priests and Levites and their livelihood, and a rebuilt, functioning Temple.

Fearing God

Joseph’s abilities as a dream interpreter eventually landed him a job as a high Egyptian official in charge of grain supplies. Meanwhile his family in Canaan had begun to feel the effects of the predicted famine, so Jacob sent a delegation of his sons to buy grain in Egypt. Joseph recognized his brothers at once, but they did not recognize him: he was dressed as an Egyptian and spoke to them through an interpreter.


Taking advantage of this circumstance, Joseph accused his brothers of espionage and had them all thrown into jail. After three days, however, he relented and freed all but one of them, explaining, “I fear God.” What exactly did he mean by that—and why did he say it?


‘Fear of God” is a moving target: it underwent its own evolution from biblical times to later usage. But one point is most important: although it might not seem so, the “fear of God” (yir’at Elohim) in the Bible is generally quite distinct from the “fear of the LORD” (yir’at H’).


What’s the difference between these two? The “fear of the LORD” generally means “the worship of (Israel’s) God.” As such, it is something that had to be learned: “Come my sons, listen to me and I will teach you the fear of the LORD” (Psalm 34:12). Likewise, the Israelite king is required to keep a copy of the Torah with him, “Let it remain with him and let him read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to observe faithfully every word of this Torah” (Deuteronomy 17:19). Similarly, “and let their children, who do not yet know, listen and learn to fear the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 31:13). When the Assyrians deported the northern Israelite tribes and replaced them with foreigners, at first the foreigners “did not fear the Lord, so the Lord set lions against them, who killed some of them... Then the Assyrian king gave an order: ‘Send back one of the priests (kohanim) whom you have deported. . . and let him teach them the practices of the God of Israel. So one of the priests whom they had exiled from Samaria came and settled in Bethel; he taught them how to fear the Lord.’ ” (2 Kings 17:26-28).


Meanwhile, the “fear of God” has an entirely different meaning; in fact, yir’at elohim might best be translated in some instances as “fear of the gods,” because it is in no way restricted to the people of Israel and does not necessarily refer to Israel’s God. The usual meaning of the expression yir’at elohim is “common decency” or “basic morality,” that is, the minimal set of moral values that any ordinary person could be counted on to possess.


This is the point of Abraham’s remark to Abimelech in Genesis 20:11: Abraham didn’t reveal that Sarah was his wife because “I thought to myself: there is no fear of the gods in this place, so they may kill me for my wife.” In other words, I wasn’t sure that out here even the minimum standards of human decency were respected. Similarly, when the Egyptian king ordered the Hebrew midwives to slaughter every newborn Hebrew boy, “they feared God and did not do as the Egyptian king had ordered; instead, they spared the boys” (Exodus 1:17).


Even in an entirely monotheistic context, “fear of God”—in this case, our God—retains this basic sense of common decency. “You shall not curse the deaf, and you shall not place a stumbling block before the blind, and you shall fear your God; I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:14). “You shall stand up before the elderly and show respect to the aged, and you shall fear your God; I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:32). Anyone with common decency wouldn’t put a stumbling block in front of a blind person, nor would such a person fail to get up and give his seat to an old man on the bus—this is just the minimum of human morality.


So Joseph wasn’t (as some ancient interpreters supposed) giving his brothers a subtle hint that he was actually their coreligionist. All he meant was that he too observed the usual standards of common decency; he wasn’t going to hold all of them hostage when he could accomplish what he wanted by holding only one of them.

EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

FROM MANGER TO MAJESTY(PART TWO)

Welcome back and happy New Year once again!
In the part one of this message, I told us that ,of a truth, Christ-mass(service) isn't really a christian affair, as it was a human imposed festival by the Roman Catholic church, just as some unbiblical doctrines of the said church till date. They even now admit no one knows the Day of His (Christ Jesus')Birth.

As I write this,the Russian Orthodox church and the countries under Russia,are in high gear preparations for Christmas on January 7th. You see the irony of it.
And I equally told us that CHRISTMAS HAS COME TO STAY. ARGUING THE RIGHT OR WRONG OF IT,IS OUT OF THE QUESTION.

As believers,we are to key in to the Reason for the season,(Christ Jesus) and concentrate on being *CHRISTLIKE*,not the revellings and drinking and drunk driving,as well as sex orgies...all types of evil that normally characterize Xmas celebrations.

Thus, today, we are still concentrating on the humility of Christ Jesus' Birth, in sharp contrast to Man's pride, through the significance of the shepherds in the Christmas story, illustrating that God's message and love extends to all, regardless of their societal status.
Let's go

God's Selection: God isn't seeking for the self qualified, but He seeks for the unqualified in order to qualify them.God loathes and abhors negative Pride.

THE SHEPHERDS, often viewed as outcasts and considered lowly in society, were the first to receive the news of Christ Jesus' Birth, highlighting that God values humility over social status. This He demonstrated by the unknown family He chose to come through into the world.

Divine Surprises: The Christmas story is filled with unexpected elements, such as a miraculous Birth announced to the marginalized rather than the elite, emphasizing God's surprising plan for REDEMPTION. Most of those who we think or expect to be sitting in the front rows of heaven, would in a great surprise, be found in very centre of hell. GOD HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY WARNING THOSE PASTORS,WE CALL GOD'S GENERALS, BECAUSE MANY OF THEM HAVE TAKEN THE PLACE OF GOD,WHO DOESN'T SHARE HIS GLORY WITH ANYONE!

Christ Jesus is for Everyone: Christ Jesus came for all people, rich or poor, famous or anonymous, signifying that every individual matters to God. If Salvation was to be bought with Money, I bet 90% of us won't have access to it, because the wealthy would buy it all,that none will be left for the less privileged. And it's exactly why many of the affluent find it difficult to get saved.

Call to Action: The shepherds' immediate response to the angel’s invitation serves as a model for believers to act upon God's call, rather than making excuses. Some of are famous for saying Christianity is boring, so allow me to enjoy life a little bit more, before I submit to God. In the process of enjoying a little bit more,they die in their sins... the devil will always ensure that.

Worship as Response: True worship is presented as a heartfelt response to encountering Christ Jesus ,transforming lives and prompting individuals to share the good news. The shepherds went immediately to the Born Saviour and worshipped Him. From thence,they went sharing the good news of the Saviour's Birth.

God's Perspective:
The message is lucidly clear that,God doesn't discriminate. Rather,HE sees potential in everyone, (Afterall, God created us), challenging societal norms that often dictate worth based on achievement and status.

Invitation to a positive life saving Relationship:
God invites individuals into a personal relationship, offering forgiveness and hope, emphasizing that everyone is welcome regardless of their past.

Encouragement for the Marginalized:
The message sent by Christ Jesus' humble beginning reassures those who feel overlooked or unworthy that they are seen and loved by God, which is central to the Christmas message.

Active Participation:
We are all encouraged to actively engage in God’s kingdom work, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's value and purpose in God’s eyes. As a believer, you have become a minister of the Gospel,an evangelist of the good news... what employment can be more gratifying than serving the Lord with your God given abilities?

Hope in Everyday Life:
I want us to understand that , amidst pain and struggles, we can find healing and purpose through the love of Christ Jesus which is central to the Christmas message;

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Rom 8: 26)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8: 28)
Amen !

EVEN IN A DEVIL MESSED UP WORLD, CHRIST JESUS EXPECTS US TO BE CLEAN! (ROM.2:1)

HE CAME TO A WORLD BARRED FROM HEAVEN! [GEN.3:24]

So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. (Gen 3: 24)

The Garden of Eden story is strange to no one, even atheists included. And each sect has unsuccessfully tried to twist the narrative(for their pleasure,I will say).

But for those who actually know the real enormity of what transpired at Eden, will be gladdened to know that all hope is not lost. BECAUSE,THAT LONE BUT TERRIBLE INCIDENCE BARRED ENTIRE HUMANITY FROM GOD'S PRESENCE! Even God Himself was grief stricken for Man...who told you that God has no emotions?

6. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
7. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. (Gen 6: 6-7)
If you ask me, Christ Jesus drew His Father's attention to Noah and his family who were the only ones that endeavoured to serve God faithfully. And that was where God probably change His Mind, and decided to raise a new generation through Noah.

And the Holy Spirit went into action. Yet, in all these,our All Knowing God knew beforehand that Man will yet fail. And certainly,he did fail. So God sent His only begotten Son to serve as a one time SACRIFICE to give Man an opportunity to inherit His Promises! And from this unimaginable decision comes the most touching and compelling scripture;
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (Joh 3: 16)
Angels have no blood, otherwise I dare to believe that,many volunteered. For to open the door into God's Presence,requires sinless blood.
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (Rom 5: 18)

This is were Christ Jesus comes in as the Key of David, and opened the way to eternal life and communion with God, which was previously inaccessible due to humanity's sin;
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Rev 1: 18)

Let's consider it this way;

Exile from Paradise: The Story begins with humanity's expulsion from Eden, where access to eternal life was guarded by angels and a flaming sword (Genesis 3:24).

A World Barred from Heaven: Humanity is portrayed as exiled and incapable of returning to the tree of life, burdened by sin and guilt.

Fear and Despair: The Story placed emphasis on the fear of Man in the presence of even angels and his unworthiness. This should stress the necessity that no one can approach God without addressing our sinfulness.

The Arrival of Christ: Christ Jesus is presented as the promised Key of David who came to unlock heaven for believers, fulfilling the long-held hope of restoration to God (Revelation 1:18).

The Invitation to Enter: Through Christ’s sacrifice ("his life for ours"), he opens the door to salvation, inviting all sinners to come and partake in eternal life rather than remain in despair.

Assurance of Access: The assurance given by our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus, who declares Himself as "the door," illustrates the promise of salvation and access to God through faith (John 10:9).

Role of Faith: The call to trust, persevere, and boldly approach this DOOR, signifies the importance of faith in gaining access to eternal communion with God.

Advent Significance: The article ties the concept of Advent to the celebration of Christ’s incarnation, which brought hope and the promise of restoration to paradise for humanity.

Ultimate Redemption: In concluding this article, we end with the hope of Christ Jesus' second coming, emphasizing the fulfillment of the promise of eternal life for those who conquer through faith (Revelation 2:7).

We should be encouraged by the fact of hope and the continual need for relationship with God through Christ Jesus. Remember, while we yet sinners, Christ Jesus died for us. So, if we refuse to accept Salvation offer, it isn't God that BARRED US FROM HEAVEN anymore, but did so ourselves.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (Joh 3: 18)
May God help us! !

JUST A MINUTE (THE PREACHER'S CORNER)

THE GRACE TO SAY *NO!*

We live in era where the GRACE TO SAY NO is of paramount importance. The rate of compromise especially among believers is alarming... very very alarming. If for believers, it's even much more alarming, when we see those who we looked up to(the custodians of God's Word...titled leaders of the church) twisting and fixing God's Word to fit into what they want.

Those genuine ones who began very well are caught in the web of unconscious deceit! The word *unconscious,* I used isn't for pastors,but for the congregations that set their GAZE on their pastor(daddy) instead of God. Of course, the pastors know what they're doing,having the devil built a bulwark around their hearts and consciences that they don't feel guilty turning God's Word upside down.
18. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev 22: 18-19)

Yet,God loaths compromise... it's the SMOOTH HIGHWAY TO BACKSLIDING... VERY MANY FRONTLINE PASTORS HAVE BACKSLIDDEN IN THEIR HEARTS;
1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12: 1-2)

MAY THE LORD GOD OUR FATHER, INCREASE IN US;

THE GRACE TO SAY NO,AMEN!

Joseph said NO to Sex!
Jesus said NO to Power!
Elisha said NO to Money!
Elijah said NO to Baal!
Caleb said NO to Fear!
Balaam said NO to Gold!
Moses said NO to Egypt!
Misheck said NO to king!
Aaron said NO to slavery!
David said NO to Giants!

Joshua said NO to defeat!
Lot said NO to sodomy!
Rechabs said NO to wine!
Esther said NO to comfort!
Daniel said NO to defilement!
Hezekiah said NO to death!
Shadrach said NO to idolatry!
Paul said NO to Hypocrisy!
Zecchaeus said NO to corruption!

Hannah said NO to barrenness!
Hosea said NO to divorce!
Rahab said NO to prostitution!
Abraham said NO to his father's house
Isaac said NO to strife!
Jacob said NO to cursed blessings!
Tamar said NO to injustice!

Ezra said NO to syncretism!
Nehemiah said NO to shame!
Gideon said NO to evil altars!
Samuel said NO to prayerlessness!
Samson said NO to oppression!
Solomon said NO to foolishness!

What have you said NO to?
What can't you say NO to?
May you receive the grace to say NO!

Receive the grace to say NO!!
No to ungodliness!
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (Tit 2: 11)
Amen!